After a well run warm up from Dexter and after the ceremonial vegetables were handed to the league debutants (congraulations and welcome Nik and Shoe) we were ready for a crunch match against Bury. All the boys were up for this one knowing we hadn't lost a league match at home in nearly two years. Sam was so excited to get on the pitch he even forgot how to use a gate and that we had a keeper in our team. 

The game started off at a good intensity with South's transfer around the back providing a good route up the pitch. One such attack, lead to a long corner routine. Taken quickly by Stu, who waltzed into the D and hammered the ball home. That goal was devoted to his child (who was definitely napping during the goal).
1-0 South 

South continued to hassle Bury, who couldn't find a way through our press. With some 'wriggly' work in midfield from Shoe working well in our system. Some good work down the wing by Stu again led to one of Chalky's now infamous 'tap-ins', who said after the game that Mark had come to him in a dream and departed his midfield goalscoring wisom. Interestingly Stu celebrated the assist more than the goal. 
2-0 South 

We went into the break sitting comfortable. Knowing the team was on top, Sam knew he didn't need the team talk to be too inspiring. You could tell this was a man, sad that his courgettes had stopped producing. Don't cry because the crop is over, smile because it happened. 

Bury started well in the second half, we managed to stand firm while Joel decided to have an additional 2 minute break at half time (it's tiring work being a new father) and later Baz decided he wanted a 2 minute rest too (working as hard as possible to earn that frisbee). Eventually the pressure told and Bury hit one in from a short. 
2-1 

Although we were only ahead by one, it felt relatively comfortable. Eventually, we scored a third through another Chalky tap in (stolen off Baz, no frisbee for you). The third goal ended Bury's hope of a result and the final whistle blew to continue South's unbeaten run at the Fortress! 

Post game we quickly moved on from the match as we had to focus on the key decision of who would get Lemon this week. As Chalky read out the votes the tension built, would it be: 

Joel, for his 2 minute breather mid-game. 
Chalky, for forgetting his socks (at least they weren't oven baked).
Harry L, for boyfriend duties. 
Will, for a potential virgin lemon. 
Sam, for the gate and continued smear campaigning. 

There were many options but only one 'winner', as the votes were counted up it was obvious it would be a tight vote. With the five people above all equal on votes for lemon, the vote was on a knife edge. Sam prematurely started celebrating, believing he had sealed the decision based on a 'captains call' he thought he'd done the unthinkable (successfully smeared). Alas, a faint vibration on the table, it was Chalky's phone, who could it be?, sweat beaded from my brow, the pub fell silent, Chalky reached for his phone, it was a notification. United had lost, Ronaldo had blanked, what a day for Salah fantasy owners. There was also a whatsapp message though, it was a late vote from Joel! 

One vote to tip the lemon over the edge, who would it be for though? Click onto the next tab to find out.